Soft magnetic alloy and magnetic component

ABSTRACT

Provided is a soft magnetic alloy which has high saturation flux density, low coercivity, and a high specific resistance, and is represented by the compositional formula (Fe (1−(α+β)) X1 α X2 β ) (1−(a+b+c+d+e)) M a Si b Cu c X3 d B e , wherein X1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni, X2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Ag, Zn, Al, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, and rare earth elements, X3 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of C and Ge, and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W, and wherein 0.030≤a≤0.120, 0.020≤b≤0.175, 0≤c≤0.020, 0≤d≤0.100, 0≤e≤0.030, α≥0, β≥0, and 0≤α+β≤0.55).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a soft magnetic alloy and a magnetic component.

BACKGROUND

Recently, a nano-crystal material has become a main stream as a soft magnetic material for magnetic component, particularly as a soft magnetic material for power inductor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having fine grain size. The nano-crystal material attains a higher saturation magnetic flux density and the like compared to a conventional crystal material such as FeSi and an amorphous based material such as FeSiB and the like.

However, currently, the magnetic component, particularly the power inductor, has adapted to a higher frequency and also has become more compact; thus, a soft magnetic alloy capable of obtaining a magnetic core with a higher DC superimposition property and a lower core loss (magnetic loss) is in demand.

[Patent Document 1] JP Patent Application Laid Open No. 2002-322546

SUMMARY

Note that, as a method for reducing a core loss of the above-mentioned magnetic core, it has been considered to decrease a coercive force and a resistivity particularly of the magnetic body constituting the magnetic core. Also, as a method of obtaining a high DC superimposition property, it has been considered to increase a saturation magnetic flux density particularly of the magnetic body constituting the magnetic core.

The object of the present invention is to provide a soft magnetic alloy and the like having a high saturation magnetic flux density, a low coercive force, and a high resistivity.

In order to attain the above object, the soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention is a soft magnetic alloy represented by a compositional formula (Fe_((1−(α+β)))X1_(α)X2_(β))_((1−(a+b+c+d+e)))M_(a)Si_(b)Cu_(c)X3_(d)B_(e), in which

X1 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Co and

X2 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Ag, Zn, Al, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, and rare earth elements,

X3 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of C and Ge,

M represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W,

0.030≤a≤0.120,

0.020≤b≤0.175,

0≤c≤0.020,

0≤d≤0.100,

0≤e≤0.030,

α≥0,

β≥0, and

0≤α+β≤0.55 are satisfied.

By satisfying the above-mentioned characteristics, the soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention tends to easily attain a structure which easily becomes a Fe-based nanocrystal alloy by performing a heat treatment. Further, the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy satisfying the above-mentioned characteristics becomes a soft magnetic alloy having preferable soft magnetic properties which are a high saturation magnetic flux density and a low coercive force, and also having further higher resistivity.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy 0≤e≤0.010.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy 0≤e>0.001.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy 0.730≤1−(a+b+c+d+e)≤0.930.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy 0≤α{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.40.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy α=0.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy 0≤β{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.030.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy β=0.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may satisfy α=β=0.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may have a nano-hetero structure in which initial fine crystals exist in an amorphous.

In the soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention, an average grain size of the initial fine crystals may be 0.3 to 10 nm.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may have a structure including Fe-based nanocrystals.

In the soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention, an average grain size of the Fe-based nanocrystals may be 5 to 30 nm.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may be a thin ribbon form.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present invention may be a powder form.

Also, a magnetic component according to the present invention is made of the above-mentioned soft magnetic alloy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described.

The soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is represented by a compositional formula (Fe_((1−(α+β)))X1_(α)X2_(β))_((1−(a+b+c+d+e)))M_(a)Si_(b)Cu_(c)X3_(d)B_(e), in which

X1 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Co and

X2 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Ag, Zn, Al, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, and rare earth elements,

X3 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of C and Ge,

M represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W,

0.030≤a≤0.120,

0.020≤b≤0.175,

0≤c≤0.020,

0≤d≤0.100,

0≤e≤0.030,

α≥0,

β≥0, and

0≤α+β≤0.55 are satisfied.

The soft magnetic alloy having the above composition tends to easily become a soft magnetic alloy made of an amorphous and not including crystal phases made of crystals having a grain size larger than 15 nm. Further, in case the soft magnetic alloy is heat treated, Fe-based nanocrystals tend to easily precipitate. Also, the soft magnetic alloy including the Fe-based nanocrystals tends to easily attain a high saturation magnetic flux density, a low coercive force, and a high resistivity. Further, an oxidation resistance tends to easily increase.

In other words, the soft magnetic alloy having the above-mentioned composition tends to be a starting material of the soft magnetic alloy in which the Fe-based nanocrystals are precipitated.

The Fe-based nanocrystal refers to a crystal of which the grain size is nano order and a crystal structure of Fe is bcc (body center cubic structure). In the present embodiment, it is preferable to precipitate the Fe-based nanocrystals having an average grain size of 5 to 30 nm. The soft magnetic alloy in which such Fe-based nanocrystals are precipitated tends to attain a high saturation magnetic flux density and a low coercive force. Also, a resistivity tends to be higher.

Note that, the soft magnetic alloy before the heat treatment may be solely consisted by an amorphous, however, the soft magnetic alloy before the heat treatment preferably includes an amorphous and an initial fine crystal having a grain size of 15 nm or less; and also preferably the soft magnetic alloy has a nano-hetero structure in which the initial fine crystals are in the amorphous. By having the nano-hetero structure in which the initial fine crystals are in the amorphous, the Fe-based nanocrystals tend to easily precipitate during the heat treatment. Note that, in the present embodiment, the initial fine crystals preferably have an average grain size of 0.3 to 10 nm.

Hereinafter, each component of the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is described.

M is one or more selected from the group consisting of Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W. Also, M is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of Nb, Hf, and Zr. As M is one or more selected from the group consisting of Nb, Hf, and Zr; the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily increase and the coercive force tends to easily decrease.

M content (a) satisfies 0.030≤a≤0.120. M content (a) is preferably 0.050≤a≤0.100. When a is small, the crystal phases made of crystals having an average grain size larger than 15 nm tend to be formed easily in the soft magnetic alloy before the heat treatment; and the Fe-based nanocrystals cannot be precipitated by the heat treatment, thus the coercive force tends to easily increase. When a is large, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily decrease.

Si content (b) satisfies 0.020≤b≤0.175. Si content (b) preferably satisfies 0.030≤b≤0.100. When b is small, the coercive force tends to easily increase. Also, in case b is too large, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily decrease.

Note that, when M content (a) is small, by increasing Si content (b), good properties tend to be obtained. On the other hand, when M content (a) is large, by decreasing Si content (b), good properties tend to be obtained.

Cu content (c) satisfies 0≤c≤0.020. That is, Cu may not be included. As Cu content decreases, the saturation magnetic flux density increases; and as Cu content increases, the coercive force tends to decrease. When c is too large, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to become low.

X3 is one or more selected from the group consisting of C and Ge. X3 content (d) satisfies 0≤d≤0.100. That is, X3 may not be included. X3 content (d) is preferably 0≤d≤0.050. When X3 content is too large, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily decrease, and the coercive force tends to easily increase.

B content (e) satisfies 0≤e≤0.030. That is, B may not be included. Further, B content (e) preferably satisfies 0≤e≤0.010, and preferably B is substantially not included. Note that, “B is substantially not included” means that B content (e) is 0≤e≤0.001. When B content is too large, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily decrease and the coercive force tends to easily increase.

Fe content (1−(a+b+c+d+e)) is not particularly limited, and preferably 0.730≤1−(a+b+c+d+e)≤0.930 is satisfied. Also, 0.780≤1−(a+b+c+d+e)≤0.930 may be satisfied. When the above-mentioned range is satisfied, the saturation magnetic flux density tends to easily improve and the coercive force tends to easily decrease.

Also, in the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment, part of Fe may be substituted by X1 and/or X2.

X1 is one or more selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni. X1 content (a) may be α=0. That is, X1 may not be included. Also, a number of X1 atoms is preferably 40 at % or less when a number of atoms of entire composition is 100 at %. That is, 0≤α{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.40 may be preferably satisfied.

X2 is one or more selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Ag, Zn, Al, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, and rare earth elements. X2 content (β) may be β=0. That is X2 may not be included. Also, a number of X2 atoms is preferably 3.0 at % or less when a number of atoms of entire composition is 100 at %. That is, 0≤β{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.030 may be preferably satisfied.

The amount of X1 and/or X2 substituting Fe may be within a range of 0≤α+β≤0.55. When α and β are α+β>0.55, it becomes difficult to obtain the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy by the heat treatment, and even if the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy is obtained, the coercive force tends to easily increase.

Note that, the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment may include elements other than mentioned in above as inevitable impurities. Also, the elements other than mentioned in above may be included by less than 1 wt % in total with respect to 100 wt % of the soft magnetic alloy.

Hereinbelow, a method for producing the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is described.

The method for producing the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, a method of producing a thin ribbon of the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment by a single roll method may be mentioned. Also, the thin ribbon may be a continuous thin ribbon.

In a single roll method, first, a pure metal of each metal element included in the soft magnetic alloy obtained at the end is prepared. Then, it is weighed so that a same composition as the soft magnetic alloy obtained at the end is obtained. Then, the pure metal of each element is melted and mixed to produce a mother alloy. Note that, a method of melting the pure metal is not particularly limited. For example, a method of melting by high frequency heat after vacuuming the chamber may be mentioned. Note that, the mother alloy and the soft magnetic alloy including the Fe-based nanocrystals obtained at the end has the same composition.

Next, the produced mother alloy is heated and melted to produce a molten metal. A temperature of the molten metal is not particularly limited, and it can be 1200 to 1500° C.

In a single roll method, a thickness of the thin ribbon can be regulated mainly by adjusting a rotational speed of a roll of the thin ribbon. For example, a thickness of the thin ribbon can also be regulated by adjusting a space between a nozzle and a roll; and also by adjusting a temperature of the molten metal. The thickness of the thin ribbon is not particularly limited, and for example it can be 5 to 30 μm.

Prior to the heat treatment, the thin ribbon is an amorphous which does not include the crystal having a grain size larger than 15 nm. By performing the heat treatment to the thin ribbon which is an amorphous, the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy can be obtained.

Note that, a method of verifying whether the thin ribbon of the soft magnetic alloy before the heat treatment includes the crystal having a grain size larger than 15 nm is not particularly limited. For example, the presence of the crystal having a grain size larger than 15 nm can be verified by a usual X ray diffraction analysis.

Also, the thin ribbon before the heat treatment may be completely free of the initial fine crystal having a grain size of less than 15 nm, however the initial fine crystal is preferably included. That is, the thin ribbon before the heat treatment preferably has a nano-hetero structure made of the amorphous and the initial fine crystals which are in the amorphous. Note that, the grain size of the initial fine crystal is not particularly limited, and an average grain size of the initial fine crystals may preferably be 0.3 to 10 nm.

Also, a method for observing the presence of the above-mentioned initial fine crystals and the average grain size of the initial fine crystals is not particularly limited. For example, the presence of the above-mentioned initial fine crystals and the average grain size of the initial fine crystals can be verified by obtaining a selected area diffraction pattern, a nano beam diffraction pattern, a bright field image, or a high resolution image using a transmission electron microscope to a sample which is thinned by an ion milling. In case of using the selected area diffraction pattern and the nano beam diffraction pattern, regarding the diffraction pattern, the amorphous forms a ring shape pattern, and non-amorphous forms diffraction dots which are derived from the crystal structure. Also, in case of using the bright field image or the high-resolution image, the presence of the initial fine crystals and the average grain size of the initial fine crystals can be observed by visual observation under a magnification of 1.00×10⁵ to 3.00×10⁵.

A temperature of roll, a rotational speed, and an atmosphere inside the chamber are not particularly limited. The temperature of the roll is preferably 4 to 30° C. to form an amorphous. As the rotational speed of the roll increases, the average grain size of the initial fine crystals tends to decrease, and it is preferably 30 to 40 m/sec in order to obtain the initial fine crystals having an average grain size of 0.3 to 10 nm. The atmosphere inside the chamber is preferably in air considering the cost.

Also, a heat treatment condition for producing the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy is not particularly limited. A preferable heat treatment condition differs depending on the composition of the soft magnetic alloy. Usually, the preferable heat treatment temperature is about 400 to 600° C., and a preferable heat treatment time is about 10 minutes to 10 hours. However, the preferable heat treatment temperature and time may be outside the above-mentioned range depending on the composition. Also, the atmosphere during the heat treatment is not particularly limited. It may be carried out under active atmosphere such as in air, or it may be carried out under inert atmosphere such as in Ar gas or so.

Also, a method of calculating the average grain size of the obtained Fe-based nanocrystal alloy is not particularly limited. For example, the average grain size can be calculated using a transmission electron microscope. Also, a method of verifying bcc (body center cubic structure) of the crystal structure is not particularly limited. For example, the crystal structure can be confirmed using X ray diffraction analysis.

As a method of obtaining the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment, other than the above-mentioned single roll method, for example, a method of obtaining a powder of the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment by a water atomization method or a gas atomization method may be mentioned. Hereinafter, a gas atomization method is described.

In a gas atomization method, a molten metal of temperature range of 1200 to 1500° C. is obtained as same as the above-mentioned single roll method. Then, the molten metal is injected in a chamber, thereby a powder is produced.

Here, by setting a gas injecting temperature to 4 to 30° C. and setting a vapor pressure inside the chamber to 1 hPa or less, the above-mentioned preferable nano-hetero structure tends to be obtained easily.

After producing the powder by a gas atomization method, a heat treatment at 400 to 600° C. for 0.5 to 10 minutes is carried out. Thereby, element diffusion is facilitated while the powder is restricted from sintering with each other and becoming too large, and the powder can reach to a thermodynamic equilibrium in short period of time. Thereby, strain and stress can be removed, and the Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having the average grain size of 10 to 50 nm tends to be easily formed.

Hereinabove, an embodiment of the present invention is described, however the present invention is not limited thereto.

The shape of the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited. As described in above, a thin ribbon form and a powder form are mentioned as examples, however, other than these, a block form and the like may be mentioned.

The use of the soft magnetic alloy (Fe-based nanocrystal alloy) according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, magnetic components may be mentioned, and among these, a magnetic core may be particularly mentioned. It can be suitably used as a magnetic core for inductor, particularly for a power inductor. The soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment can be suitably used for a thin film inductor, a magnetic head, and the like other than the magnetic core.

Hereinafter, a method of obtaining a magnetic component, particularly a magnetic core and an inductor from the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is described. However, the method of obtaining the magnetic core and the inductor from the soft magnetic alloy according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited thereto. Also, as the use of the magnetic core, other than the inductor, a transformer, a motor, and the like may be mentioned.

As a method of obtaining the magnetic core from the soft magnetic alloy of a thin ribbon form, for example, a method of winding the soft magnetic alloy of thin ribbon form and a method of stacking the soft magnetic alloy of thin ribbon form may be mentioned. In case of stacking an insulator between the soft magnetic alloys of thin ribbon form, the magnetic core with even more enhanced properties can be obtained.

As a method of obtaining the magnetic core from a powder form soft magnetic alloy, for example, a method of molding using a metal mold after mixing the powder form soft magnetic alloy with a binder may be mentioned. Also, before mixing with the binder, by performing an oxidizing treatment, an insulation coating, and the like to the powder surface, a resistivity improves and the magnetic core suited for even higher frequency range can be obtained.

A method of molding is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of molding using a metal mold, a mold pressing, and the like may be mentioned. A type of the binder is not particularly limited, and a silicone resin may be mentioned. A mixing ratio between the soft magnetic alloy powder and the binder is not particularly limited. For example, 1 to 10 mass % of the binder may be mixed with respect to 100 mass % of the soft magnetic alloy powder.

For example, 1 to 5 mass % of the binder is mixed with respect to 100 mass % of the soft magnetic alloy powder, then press molding is performed using a metal mold. Thereby, the magnetic core having 70% or more of a space factor (powder filling rate), 0.45T or more of a magnetic flux density when 1.6×10⁴ A/m of magnetic field is applied, and 1 Ω·cm or more of a resistivity can be obtained. The above-mentioned properties are equal or better than a generally known ferrite magnetic core.

Also, for example, 1 to 3 mass % of the binder is mixed with respect to 100 mass % of the soft magnetic alloy. Then, press molding is performed at a temperature higher than the softening point of the binder using a metal mold. Thereby, a dust core having 80% or more of a space factor, 0.9T or more of a magnetic flux density when 1.6×10⁴ A/m of magnetic field is applied, and 0.1 Ω·cm or more of a resistivity can be obtained. The above-mentioned properties are better than a generally known dust core.

Further, by performing a heat treatment as a strain relief heat treatment after molding into a molded article which forms the above-mentioned magnetic core, a core loss is further decreased and a functionality is enhanced. Note that, the core loss of the magnetic core decreases as the coercive force of the magnetic body constituting the magnetic core decreases.

Also, an inductor component can be obtained by winding a wire around the magnetic core. A method of winding the wire around the core is not particularly limited, and also a method of producing the inductor component is not particularly limited. For example, a method of winding the wire for at least one turn around the magnetic core produced by the above-mentioned method may be mentioned.

Further, in case of using the soft magnetic alloy particle, there is a method of producing an inductor component by press molding the magnetic body while the wound coil is incorporated in the magnetic body. In such case, an inductor component which corresponds to high frequency range and large electric current tend to be easily obtained.

Further, in case of using the soft magnetic alloy particle, the inductor component can be obtained by print stacking a soft magnetic alloy paste and a conductor paste in an alternating manner and then firing may be carried out. The soft magnetic alloy paste is obtained by forming a paste by adding the binder and the solvent to the soft magnetic alloy particle. The conductor paste is obtained by forming a paste by adding the binder and the solvent to a conductor metal for coil. Alternatively, a soft magnetic alloy sheet is produced using the soft magnetic alloy paste, and a conductor paste is printed to the surface of the soft magnetic alloy sheet, then these are stacked and fired. Thereby, the inductor component in which a coil is incorporated in the magnetic body can be obtained.

Here, in case of producing the inductor component using the soft magnetic alloy particle, from the point of obtaining an excellent Q property, it is preferable to use a soft magnetic alloy powder having a maximum grain size by a sieve gauge of 45 μm or less, and a median grain size (D50) of 30 μm or less. In order to have the maximum grain size by a sieve gauge of 45 μm or less, a sieve having a gauge of 45 μm is used, and the soft magnetic alloy powder which passed through the sieve may be only used.

As the soft magnetic alloy powder having large maximum grain size is used more, the Q value under high frequency range tends to decrease. In case the soft magnetic alloy powder having a maximum grain size larger than 45 μm by a sieve gauge is used, the Q value under high frequency range may decrease significantly. Note that, in case the Q value under a high frequency range is not an important factor, then the soft magnetic alloy powder having various sizes can be used. Since, the soft magnetic alloy powder having various sizes can be produced at relatively low cost, in case of using the soft magnetic alloy powder having various sizes, a cost can be reduced.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention is described based on examples.

Raw material metals were weighed to obtain an alloy composition of Examples and Comparative examples shown in below Tables, then the raw material metals were melted by high frequency heating, thereby a mother alloy was produced.

Then, the produced mother alloy was heated and melted to form a molten metal of 1300° C., then the molten metal was injected on a roll of 20° C. in air rotating at a rotational speed of 40 m/sec by a single roll method. Thereby, a thin ribbon was formed. A thickness of the thin ribbon was 20 to 25 μm, a width of the thin ribbon was about 15 mm, and a length of the thin ribbon was about 10 m.

The obtained thin ribbon was subjected to X ray diffraction analysis, and a crystal having a grain size larger than 15 nm was verified. In case the crystal having the grain size larger than 15 nm was not found, it was considered that the thin ribbon was made of amorphous phases; and in case the crystal having grain size larger than 15 nm was found, then it was considered that the thin ribbon was made of crystal phases.

Then, to the thin ribbon of Examples and Comparative examples, a heat treatment was performed at 550° C. for 60 minutes. Each thin ribbon after the heat treatment was measured with a saturation magnetic flux density and a coercive force. The saturation magnetic flux density (Bs) was measured using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) at a magnetic field of 1000 kA/m. The coercive force (Hc) was measured using a DC BH tracer at a magnetic field of 5 kA/m. The resistivity (ρ) was measured using a resistivity measurement by a four-point probe method. In the present examples, the saturation magnetic flux density of 1.30 T or more was considered good and 1.45 or more considered even better. The coercive force of 10.0 A/m or less was considered good and 7.0 A/m or less was considered even better. The resistivity (ρ) was evaluated with respect to the resistivity (ρ) of a thin ribbon formed by the same production method as Example 3 except for using Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ (hereinafter, this may be referred as Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon). When the resistivity (ρ) increased by 20% or more and less than 40% with respect to the resistivity of Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon, it was considered good; and when it increased by 40% or more then it was considered even better. In below Tables, when the resistivity (ρ) increased by 40% or more from the resistivity of Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon it is indicated “Excellent”; when the resistivity (ρ) increased by 20% or more and less than 40% from the resistivity of Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon, it is indicated “Good”; when the resistivity (ρ) was same or increased by less than 20% from the resistivity of Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon, it is indicated “Fair”; and when the resistivity (ρ) lower than the resistivity of Fe₉₀Zr₇B₃ thin ribbon, it is indicated “Poor”. Note that, the result of the resistivity (ρ) does not necessarily have to show excellent result in order to attain the object of the present invention.

Also, Table 7 shows changes in the saturation magnetic flux density and the coercive force over time. Specifically, a thin ribbon which was measured with the saturation magnetic flux density Bs₀ and the coercive force Hc₀ was subjected to an oxidation treatment for 3000 minutes, then the saturation magnetic flux density Bs₃₀₀₀ and the coercive force Hc₃₀₀₀ after the oxidation treatment were measured. The oxidation treatment was carried out at 150° C. for 50 hours.

In Table 7, it was considered good when Bs₀≥1.30T, Bs₃₀₀₀/Bs₀≤0.85, Hc₀≤10.0 A/m, and Hc₃₀₀₀/Hc₀≤1.30 were satisfied.

Note that, in below shown Examples, unless mentioned otherwise, all Examples were confirmed to have Fe-based nanocrystals having an average grain size of 5 to 30 nm, and a crystal structure of bcc was confirmed by observation using an X ray diffraction analysis and a transmission electron microscope. Also, all of Examples and Comparative examples shown in below Tables did not include X1 and X2 except for Table 8.

TABLE 1 Fe_((1−(a+b)))M_(a)Si_(b)(c = d = e = 0, α = β = 0) M(Zr) Si Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Comparative 0.935 0.025 0.040 Crystal 1.84 318 Poor example 1 phase Example 1 0.930 0.030 0.040 Amorppous 1.80 9.6 Fair phase Example 2 0.910 0.050 0.040 Amorppous 1.74 4.7 Good phase Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.040 Amorppous 1.61 3.9 Excellent phase Example 4 0.880 0.080 0.040 Amorppous 1.56 3.6 Excellent phase Example 5 0.860 0.100 0.040 Amorppous 1.45 4.1 Excellent phase Example 6 0.840 0.120 0.040 Amorppous 1.33 5.7 Excellent phase Comparative 0.830 0.130 0.040 Amorppous 1.27 7.1 Excellent example 2 phase

TABLE 2 Fe_((1−(a+b)))M_(a)Si_(b)(c = d = e = 0, α = β = 0) M(Nb) Si Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Cmparative 0.895 0.025 0.080 Crystal 1.77 492 Fair example 3 phase Example 7 0.890 0.030 0.080 Amorphous 1.71 9.9 Good phase Example 8 0.870 0.050 0.080 Amorphous 1.65 4.8 Execellent phase Example 9 0.850 0.070 0.080 Amorphous 1.53 3.7 Execellent phase Example 10 0.840 0.080 0.080 Amorphous 1.47 3.3 Execellent phase Example 11 0.820 0.100 0.080 Amorphous 1.38 3.9 Execellent phase Example 12 0.800 0.120 0.080 Amorphous 1.30 5.8 Execellent phase Comparative 0.790 0.130 0.080 Amorphous 1.22 9.2 Execellent example 4 phase

TABLE 3 Fe_((1−(a+b+c)))M_(a)Si_(b)Cu_(c) (d = e = 0, α = β = 0) M(Zr) Si Cu Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b c XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.040 0.000 Amorphous 1.61 3.9 Excellent phase Example 13 0.889 0.070 0.040 0.001 Amorphous 1.60 3.9 Good phase Example 14 0.885 0.070 0.040 0.005 Amorphous 1.55 2.7 Good phase Example 15 0.880 0.070 0.040 0.010 Amorphous 1.50 2.2 Good phase Example 16 0.870 0.070 0.040 0.020 Amorphous 1.38 2.3 Good phase Comparative 0.860 0.070 0.040 0.030 Crystal 1.19 125 Good example 5 phase

TABLE 4 Fe_((1−(a+b+d)))M_(a)Si_(b)X3_(d) (c = e = 0, α = β = 0) M(Zr) Si C Ge Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b d XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.040 0.000 0.000 Amorphous 1.61 3.9 Excellent phase Example 17 0.880 0.070 0.040 0.010 0.000 Amorphous 1.62 3.8 Excellent phase Example 18 0.840 0.070 0.040 0.050 0.000 Amorphous 1.55 4.0 Excellent phase Example 19 0.790 0.070 0.040 0.100 0.000 Amorphous 1.43 4.6 Excellent phase Example 20 0.880 0.070 0.040 0.000 0.010 Amorphous 1.60 3.9 Excellent phase Example 21 0.840 0.070 0.040 0.000 0.050 Amorphous 1.52 4.2 Excellent phase Example 22 0.790 0.070 0.040 0.000 0.100 Amorphous 1.38 5.8 Excellent phase Comparative 0.770 0.070 0.040 0.000 0.120 Amorphous 1.28 11.2 Excellent example 7 phase Example 23 0.840 0.070 0.040 0.025 0.025 Amorphous 1.54 3.8 Excellent phase

TABLE 5 Fe_((1−(a+b+e)))M_(a)Si_(b)B_(e) (c = d = 0, α = β = 0) M(Zr) Si B Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b e XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.040 0.000 Amorphous 1.61 3.9 Excellent phase Example 24 0.885 0.070 0.040 0.005 Amorphous 1.56 3.9 Excellent phase Example 25 0.880 0.070 0.040 0.010 Amorphous 1.52 4.1 Excellent phase Example 26 0.870 0.070 0.040 0.020 Amorphous 1.44 5.9 Excellent phase Example 27 0.860 0.070 0.040 0.030 Amorphous 1.35 8.0 Excellent phase Comparative 0.850 0.070 0.040 0.040 Amorphous 1.24 13.3 Excellent example 8 phase

TABLE 6 Fe_((1−a+b)))MaSib (c = d = e = 0, α = β = 0) Zr Hf Nb Ta W Mo Si Bs Hc Sample No. Fe a b XRD (T) (A/m) ρ Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.040 Amorphous 1.64 5.3 Excellent phase Example 28 0.890 0.060 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.040 Amorphous 1.63 5.3 Excellent phase Example 29 0.890 0.060 0.000 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.040 Amorphous 1.61 5.7 Excellent phase Example 30 0.890 0.060 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.040 Amorphous 1.59 5.9 Good phase Example 31 0.890 0.060 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.000 0.040 Amorphous 1.57 6.3 Good phase Example 32 0.890 0.060 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.040 Amorphous 1.58 6.2 Good phase

TABLE 7 Fe_((1−(a+b)))M_(a)Si_(b) (c = d = e = 0, α = β = 0) M(Zr) Si Bs₀ Bs₃₀₀₀/Bs₀ Hc₀ Hc₃₀₀₀/Hc₀ Sample No. Fe a b XRD (T) — (A/m) — ρ Comparative 0.925 0.070 0.010 Amorphous 1.63 0.77 47.0 1.57 Poor example 8a phase Example 32a 0.920 0.070 0.020 Amorphous 1.62 0.86 7.1 1.29 Fair phase Example 32b 0.920 0.070 0.030 Amorphous 1.62 0.86 4.4 1.29 Good phase Example 3 0.890 0.070 0.040 Amorphous 1.61 0.92 3.9 1.17 Excellent phase Example 32c 0.850 0.070 0.080 Amorphous 1.59 0.94 3.8 1.15 Excellent phase Example 32d 0.780 0.070 0.155 Amorphous 1.47 0.96 9.7 1.13 Excellent phase Example 52 0.880 0.040 0.080 Amorphous 1.68 0.92 6.1 1.19 Excellent phase Example 53 0.860 0.040 0.100 Amorphous 1.64 0.93 6.7 1.17 Excellent phase Example 54 0.840 0.040 0.120 Amorphous 1.60 0.94 7.8 1.16 Excellent phase Example 55 0.805 0.040 0.155 Amorphous 1.53 0.95 9.2 1.15 Excellent phase Example 56 0.785 0.040 0.175 Amorphous 1.49 0.95 9.8 1.13 Excellent phase Comparative 0.765 0.040 0.195 Amorphous 1.44 0.96 10.8 1.12 Excellent example 11 phase

Fe_((1−(α+β)))X1_(α)X3_(β)(a and b are same as Example 3, c = d = e = 0) X1 X2 Bs Hc Sample No. Type α{1 − (a + b)} Type β{1 − (a + b)} XRD (T) (A/m) Example 3 — 0.000 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.61 3.9 phase Example 33 Co 0.010 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.62 4.2 phase Example 34 Co 0.100 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.68 4.9 phase Example 34a Co 0.400 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.73 6.9 phase Example 35 Co 0.500 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.75 9.8 phase Comparative Co 0.600 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.80 27.0 example 9 phase Example 36 Ni 0.010 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.57 3.9 phase Example 37 Ni 0.100 — 0.000 Amorphous 1.45 4.7 phase Example 39 — 0.000 V 0.030 Amorphous 1.59 4.0 phase Example 40 — 0.000 Mn 0.030 Amorphous 1.57 4.2 phase Example 41 — 0.000 Zn 0.030 Amorphous 1.60 4.1 phase Example 42 — 0.000 Al 0.030 Amorphous 1.58 3.7 phase Example 43 — 0.000 Sn 0.030 Amorphous 1.59 4.2 phase Example 44 — 0.000 La 0.030 Amorphous 1.52 4.0 phase Example 45 Co 0.100 Zn 0.030 Amorphous 1.62 5.3 phase

TABLE 9 Composition is same as Example 3 Average grain Average grain Rotational Heat treatment Heat treatment size of initial size of Fe based speed of roll Temp time fine crystal nano crysgtal alloy Bs Hc Sample No. (m/sec.) (° C.) (min) (nm) (nm) XRD (T) (A/m) Example 46 55 550 60 No initial 10 Amorphous 1.62 4.2 fine crystal phase Example 47 40 550 10 0.3 10 Amorphous 1.51 5.1 phase Example 3 40 550 60 0.3 10 Amorphous 1.61 3.9 phase Example 48 40 550 120 0.3 20 Amorphous 1.64 5.5 phase Example 49 40 550 180 0.3 20 Amorphous 1.66 6.9 phase Example 50 40 600 180 0.3 30 Amorphous 1.67 8.0 phase Example 51 30 550 60 10.0 20 Amorphous 1.58 4.9 phase Comparative 20 550 60 20.0 50 Crystal 1.62 130 example 10 phase

Table 1 shows Examples and Comparative examples wherein M was Zr only; and Cu, X3, and B were not included while Zr content (a) was varied.

Examples 1 to 6 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs and coercive force Hc.

On the contrary to this, regarding Comparative example 1 in which Zr content was too small, the thin ribbon before the heat treatment was made of crystal phases; and the coercive force Hc after the heat treatment increased significantly and the resistivity p decreased. Also, Comparative example 2 in which Zr content was too large had a decreased saturation magnetic flux density.

Table 2 shows Examples and Comparative examples wherein M was Nb only; and Cu, X3, and B were not included while Nb content (a) was varied.

Examples 7 to 12 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs and coercive force Hc.

On the contrary to this, regarding Comparative example 3 in which Nb content was too small, the thin ribbon before the heat treatment was made of crystal phases; and the coercive force Hc after the heat treatment increased significantly. Also, Comparative example 4 in which Nb content was too large had a decreased saturation magnetic flux density.

Table 3 shows Examples and Comparative examples wherein M was Zr only; and X3 and B were not included while Cu content (c) was varied.

Examples 13 to 16 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs and coercive force Hc.

On the contrary to this, regarding Comparative example 5 in which Cu content was too large, the thin ribbon before the heat treatment was made of crystal phases; and the coercive force Hc after the heat treatment increased significantly. Further, the saturation magnetic flux density Bs decreased.

Table 4 shows Examples and Comparative examples in which M was Zr only; and Cu and B were not included while a type and content (d) of X3 were varied.

Examples 17 to 23 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs, coercive force Hc, and resistivity ρ.

On the contrary to this, regarding Comparative example 7 in which X3 content was too large, the saturation magnetic flux density Bs decreased and the coercive force Hc increased.

Table 5 shows Examples and Comparative examples in which M was Zr only; and Cu and X3 were not included while B content (e) was varied.

Examples 24 to 27 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs, coercive force Hc, and resistivity ρ.

On the other hand, Comparative example 8 in which B content was too large had a decreased saturation magnetic flux density Bs and an increased coercive force Hc.

Table 6 shows Examples in which a type of M was changed from Example 3.

Examples 28 to 32 in which a content of each component was within the predetermined range had good saturation magnetic flux density Bs, coercive force Hc, and resistivity p even when the type of M was changed.

Table 7 shows Examples and Comparative examples in which M was Zr only; and Cu, X3, and B were not included while Zr content (a) and Si content (b) were changed. Also, as mentioned in above, Examples and Comparative examples shown in Table 7 were measured with changes of saturation magnetic flux density and coercive force over time.

Examples 32a to 32d and 52 to 56 had good saturation magnetic flux density, coercive force, and resistivity; and also the changes in saturation magnetic flux density and coercive force over time were small. On the other hand, Comparative example 8a in which Si content was too small had an increased coercive force and also the changes in saturation magnetic flux density and coercive force over time were large. Comparative example 11 in which Si content was too large had an increased coercive force. When Examples 52 to 56 are compared with Comparative example 11 having the same amount of Zr content, Comparative example 11 had a decreased saturation magnetic flux density.

Table 8 shows Examples in which part of Fe of Example 3 was substituted by X1 and/or X2.

Good properties were obtained even when part of Fe was substituted by X1 and/or X2. However, Comparative example 9 in which a α+β was larger than 0.55 had an increased coercive force.

Table 9 shows Examples and Comparative examples in which an average grain size of the initial fine crystals and the average grain size of Fe-based nanocrystal alloy were varied by changing a rotational speed of a roll, a heat treatment temperature, and/or heat treatment time of Example 3.

Good properties were obtained even when the average particle size of the initial fine crystals and the average grain size of the Fe-based nanocrystal alloy were changed if a crystal having a particle size larger than 15 nm was not included in the thin ribbon before the heat treatment. On the contrary to this, if the crystal having a particle size larger than 15 nm was included in the thin ribbon before the heat treatment, that is in case the thin ribbon was formed of crystal phases, then the average grain size of the Fe-nano crystal after the heat treatment increased significantly and the coercive force increased significantly. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A soft magnetic alloy represented by a compositional formula (Fe_((1−(α+β)))X1_(α)X2_(β))_((1−(a+b+c+d+e)))M_(a)Si_(b)Cu_(c)X3_(d)B_(e), in which X1 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Co and X2 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Ag, Zn, Al, Sn, As, Sb, Bi, and rare earth elements, X3 represents one or more selected from a group consisting of C and Ge, M represents one or more selected from a group consisting of Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, Mo, and W, 0.030≤a≤0.120, 0.020≤b≤0.175, 0≤c≤0.020, 0≤d≤0.100, 0≤e≤0.030, α≥0, β≥0, and 0≤α+β≤0.55 are satisfied.
 2. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein 0≤e≤0.010 is satisfied.
 3. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein 0≤e>0.001 is satisfied.
 4. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein 0.730≤1−(a+b+c+d+e)≤0.930 is satisfied.
 5. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein 0≤α{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.40 is satisfied.
 6. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein α=0 is satisfied.
 7. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein 0≤β{1−(a+b+c+d+e)}≤0.030 is satisfied.
 8. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein β=0 is satisfied.
 9. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1, wherein α=β=0 is satisfied.
 10. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1 having a nano-hetero structure in which initial fine crystals are in an amorphous.
 11. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 10, wherein an average grain size of the initial fine crystals is 0.3 to 10 nm.
 12. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1 having a structure including Fe-based nanocrystals.
 13. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 12, wherein an average grain size of the Fe-based nanocrystals is 5 to 30 nm.
 14. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1 having a thin ribbon form.
 15. The soft magnetic alloy according to claim 1 having a powder form.
 16. A magnetic component comprising the soft magnetic alloy according to claim
 1. 